THE Westcountry fishing industry could be devastated by strict new EU fishing quotas which Brussels wants to impose on the region to give endangered fish stocks a chance to recover.
Industry insiders warned the European Commission's ruling could send fish prices soaring and raised fears the move could simply lead to increasing numbers of endangered fish being dumped overboard.
There are also fears more fish could be imported as restaurants and suppliers turn to overseas markets to keep costs down – adding a further blow to the region's already struggling fishing industry.
Conservation measures for desperately depleted cod have not delivered the promised revival of supplies – partly because of continued over-fishing exceeding agreed quota limits. Now EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg is recommending cuts of up to 25 per cent in permitted catches for cod and other main species next year.
Last night, members of the fishing community and business chiefs united in their condemnation of the ruling, which they warned could send shockwaves to those livelihoods and businesses which depend on the fishing industry. The proposal by Mr Borg to cut permitted catches for some species of fish is the latest blow to the Westcountry's fishing trade.
Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, told the Western Morning News the ruling was a major blow to the region. "Cornwall and Devon have built up a niche market around specialist fish and that market is price-sensitive.
"This quota will have an enormous impact on the fishing community and those who rely upon it.
"We are facing devastating consequences, and yet again, European legislation does not take into account the impact of fishing generally on the community."
Although the EU's figures are provisional and will not be decided until December, those within the industry fear they are "over-cautious" and are based on "out-of-date and inaccurate science".
Fishermen have been told for years they must endure short-term sacrifices to allow main fish stocks to recover and secure the fishing industry's long-term future. But yesterday's proposals acknowledge that stocks are still in dire straits, with fleets accused of prolonging the agony by exceeding annual catch quotas and delaying the time when fish are plentiful once more.
Paul Trebilcock, chief executive of Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, stressed the Commission's proposed quota was still up for negotiation. "This can cause unnecessary alarm, but yes, the quota could have an impact on fish prices.
"I suspect that they may be being over-cautious, and we will work with them to negotiate. I think we know the direction we want to go in and there are discussions to be had yet."
Former fisherman Mick Mahon, who fished waters around the globe, said a one-year quota never had an impact on the amount of fish caught.
Mr Mahon, from Praa Sands in Cornwall, added: "A reduction in the quota will mean one thing – more fish being dumped. And the price of fish may not increase either. Fish is traded worldwide now so it may mean more is imported."
Jim Portus, chief executive of South West Fish Producers agreed. "Some of the fish stocks would not rise an awful lot. In fact, there would be zero change in some."
But Brixham-based Mr Portus, who is also chairman of the UK Association of Fish Producers, criticised the science behind the Commission's projections.
"The science is out of date, dangerous and very sketchy. The problem is that the information does not get used immediately – instead, it may have an impact on fish stocks in the years ahead."
He added that the European Commission had published the information earlier than usual to ensure that there was the "widest possible debate" about the proposals.
A Government spokesman said the latest proposals – published ahead of the annual quota-fixing negotiations between EU fisheries ministers in December – would be considered carefully in the coming weeks. "The scientific prognosis for most stocks is not encouraging, with many in a worse state than last year."
Meanwhile, Padstow-based seafood chef Rick Stein has reportedly vowed to go on using endangered species of fish in his restaurants despite warnings of over-fishing.
He has reportedly questioned whether the fish stocks situation is really as bad as the Government and marine conservationists are saying.
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